Become a Member
Become a Member
Government & Politics

State Delegate District 19 (three seats)

By
February 13, 2018 3:49 p.m.

REPUBLICAN

Helen Domenici

• Has not responded

- Advertisement -

• Campaign information:

*did not respond to additional questions

Dave Pasti

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

Sponsored
Face of the Week

Basically, I’m tired of complaining about the culture of divisiveness in politics. This is my first time running for political office and like Governor Hogan, that’s a good thing. We need more quality people from the outside who have no ties to any special interest groups. I have grown up in Montgomery County and I care about the same things as all of us: safety, education, affordable health care, and quality of life.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

I believe the opioid crisis is at the top of the list. I believe we need to follow Governor Hogan’s four-prong approach of prevention, education, prevention, enforcement and treatment. We need to open more treatment centers in the State, especially in Montgomery County. There is some funding available. It’s a matter of implementation.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Distracted driving has become the main cause of accidents in our country and it is primarily due to cell phone use while driving. Many States have stiffer penalties. I believe we need to take the phones out of the driver’s hands by making it mandatory to have the phone mounted on the dashboard to prevent the driver from looking down at their phone or having it in their hand. Legislation was passed to increase the fine and assess 1 point, but it did not go far enough to force drivers to not have the phone in their hand while driving.

- Advertisement -

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I have practiced law for 29 years in the area of criminal defense, personal injury and family law. That experience actually makes me the most qualified candidate to run for House of Delegates. I have learned to listen to both sides of an issue and I have earned a reputation as an honest lawyer. I have also lead teams of 25-50 people from our church on short-term mission trips to repair homes in a depressed area in West Virginia. I have also competed in triathlons so that I can handle the daily stress of the job.

Martha Schaerr

• Where you live: Derwood

• Date of birth: March 19, 1957

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Small-business owner/real estate manager, Enneas Enterprises; stay-at-home mom.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Montgomery County Republican Central Committee, 2010-present. Unsuccessful candidate for Montgomery County Board of Education (2010) and District 19 delegate (2014).

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I am running to help Governor Hogan move Maryland forward in helping people through (1) increasing the number of good jobs here, (2) making government work better without raising taxes, and (3) ensuring that political boundaries are drawn fairly. I also want to protect Marylanders from increasing risks of drug addictions.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

I believe redistricting is the most important issue in this race. I support Governor Hogan’s nonpartisan redistricting commission proposal to create reasonable political boundaries so that all voters have a real opportunity to be heard. This change will increase voter turnout for all political parties and will help reduce partisan bickering.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

Their refusal to act on Governor’s proposal for a nonpartisan redistricting commission shows they are more concerned about political advantage than about the engagement of voters in the process. I supported Hogan’s proposal, and I’m running to support it when he brings it up again. The gerrymandered Congressional and state legislative districts have done more to depress voter engagement and turnout than can be rectified by costly measures like expanding Early Voting dates and locations, automatic voter registration, and same-day voter registration. Democrats calling Hogan’s commission “unilateral disarmament” is telling. Who are they arming against? Maryland voters!

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I’ve been on the boards for PTA’s, church and youth organizations working to help children, adolescents, families and needy women. I currently serve as a consumer member of the Maryland Board of Physicians. I have a small business managing real estate investments, but I’ve spent a decade reaching out to voters as the LD19 chair of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee. Repeatedly Democrats and Republicans have said to me, “My vote doesn’t matter.” That’s the experience that makes me want to run. I want everyone’s vote to matter!

DEMOCRAT

Brian Crider

• Where you live: Rockville

• Date of birth: Oct. 10, 1983

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Software developer, Conduent

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): First time running

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

After the last election cycle, I could see Maryland deserves better. We need to make sure we are doing the right things for Maryland residents. As Hillary Clinton said, if you are unhappy with something then run. I am unhappy with the direction we are going and I’m running so we can do the right things for Maryland residents and make Maryland better.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Money in Politics. I am currently running as a clean money candidate where I am not accepting any PAC, corporate, or special interest money. I am also not accepting any out of state money as I believe this could lead to questions of who you are actually representing. Every issue that you care about can be tied to money in politics.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

How they treat local companies and business and favor corporate welfare for the rich. They have prioritized big business (Marriott, Guinness, Amazon) over growing business here like our craft breweries and Biotech companies. We need to stop giving tax breaks to large companies who are just going to keep asking for more tax breaks every couple of years (holding jobs over our heads) and, instead, invest in our local small businesses.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I’m a Computer Scientist by trade which means people come to me with issues and enhancements which they need done to their systems and I make it happen. This means I need to understand what the issue is as well as all of the ramifications which go along with making the change. This is no different than what we need to do in the General Assembly. We need to understand the ramifications of the changes we make and look at the facts and data to make sure any changes we make are the right ones.

Charlotte Crutchfield

• Where you live: Silver Spring

• Date of birth: Dec. 8, 1963

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Employment lawyer

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Elected to Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 2010-14; candidate for Maryland House of Delegates for District 19 in 2014

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I am running because I will be an effective Delegate for District 19.

Our current county executive, Ike Leggett, has said of me: “It is important to have someone who truly knows District 19 and the many issues that are vital to the entire community. Charlotte has raised and continues to raise her family in the District 19 community. Charlotte is highly respected, uniquely qualified and will be an effective Delegate.”

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Education—increasing funding for Education; bringing back Education dollars to Montgomery County; and school safety

When residents are educated there is less crime, property values increase, employers want to hire local students and the overall local economy benefits.

We need to make sure that the casino money is directed to Education and make sure that Montgomery County gets its proper share of the money allocated for Education. This will increase the amount of money spent on Education. Pass effective enforceable laws that insure the safety of students, teachers and administrators.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The current District 19 delegation has not handled any issue poorly. However, what is needed in the District 19 delegation is a voice that has been missing — the views, the opinions, the ideas and the passion of a mother who has raised children in the Montgomery County Public School system. School safety is not theoretical for me — it is a reality. Every day when I send my son to school, I’m concerned about his safety while in school. No other candidate for delegate can bring that perspective to Annapolis. I can.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

All of my life experiences have prepared me to hold this office. I am rooted in the District 19 Community — I have raised children in District 19; I was elected to be PTA president at my son’s school; I was elected to be on the board of my Homeowners Association; I was elected to represent District 19 on the MoCo Democratic Central Committee; and I recently completed my term as Chair of the MoCo Merit System Protection Board.

Most importantly, my experience as a military widow who has raised children who attended MCPS has uniquely prepared me for this office.

Bonnie Cullison (incumbent)

• Where you live: Aspen Hill

• Date of birth: March 24, 1954

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Consultant to the NEA Foundation (current); president of Montgomery County Education Association (2003-09); coordinator for Teacher Professional Growth System, Montgomery County Public Schools (2000-03); speech pathologist, MCPS (1981-2003)

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Delegate in Maryland General Assembly, elected 2010 and 2014; unsuccessful race for NEA Executive Committee (2009); president of MCEA (2003, 2006)

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

As a retired career special educator and then a local union leader, I have committed myself to the service of improving the quality of life of others. I believe in the power of unified and diverse communities and in my 8 years thus far as a delegate, I have strived to support building that power through good policy-making. That belief drives my work for my constituents and helping others is genuinely rewarding to me.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

While there are many important issues, health care costs rise to the level of the highest urgency. The lack of affordable health care has a negative impact, not only on people, but also on our entire economy. I will continue to work with my colleagues to address the short-term issues in an effort to mitigate the size of premium increases. However, in the long term, we need to look at more structural changes in our health care system, including a single-payer model. I am committed to look for the single-payer model that can work for Marylanders.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

There is a lack of comprehensive strategy to address the school to prison pipeline. Over the last 8 years, we have made some progress through the Justice Reinvestment Act, but we did not begin to address the root causes for crime. A real comprehensive approach would be aimed at keeping people out of prison and provide a pathway back to success for those who served their time. It requires making our public education system a priority to assure equal opportunities for all students, economic supports that allow families to thrive and supports for those who are at risk.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

An important attribute of an effective elected official is the ability to listen to all perspectives and look for ways to build consensus. This includes looking for innovative ways to solve old problems. I learned these traits while supporting my special education students to succeed in a society that is sometimes challenged by differences. As president of the Montgomery County Education Association from 2003-2009, I worked closely with other educators and elected officials to make positive change. As a legislator, I continue to listen and learn from others so that together we will find the best solutions.

Marlin Jenkins

• Where you live: Silver Spring

• Date of birth: Oct. 28, 1981

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Major, Maryland Army National Guard; labor attorney, American Federation of Government Employees

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Member of Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, 2015-present

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

Being raised by a single parent in one of the poorest areas of the county, I realize opportunities were provided to me allowed me to be where I am today. I am concerned that in the current environment, priorities have shifted and should be placed on providing more opportunity to people. I believe my American story should be the norm, not the exception. Thus, I am running to ensure there is ‘‘opportunity for all.’’

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

In my opinion, the most important issue in the race is education. Education is the great equalizer! I’m proud to be endorsed by our teachers (MCEA) and SEIU Local 500, the pillars of Montgomery County Public Schools. We need aggressive campaignerd that are going to ensure the amendment to ‘‘Fix the Fund’’ passes in November. Once the fund is fixed, we will work to implement the recommendations from the Kirwan commissions by investing in a better learning environment for our students and better working conditions for our teachers.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The current house of Delegates has handled having a Democratic majority poorly. With the majorities we have in the both the House of Delegates and State Senate, we should be the tip of the progressive spear and be an example for the nation. Here in Maryland, we need to ‘Stop talking blue and Start acting blue.’’ In Annapolis, I will not be beholden to special interest or party leadership. I am running a grassroots campaign powered by District 19 citizens and my service in the legislature will reflect that.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I am uniquely prepared to serve District 19 in the House of Delegates. I have been in service to our nation, state, county and district. I am a Bronze Star recipient and have served our country for over 19 years in the Army. I am currently in service to our state as a Major in the Maryland Army National Guard. I have been in service to our county on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC). Also, I have served the district, as a volunteer in the office of State Senator Roger Manno, D-19, during the 2017 Legislative session.

Maricé Ivette Morales (incumbent)

• Where you live: Silver Spring

• Date of birth: June 12, 1987

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Associate attorney, Jezic and Moyse, LLC; program specialist, National Science Foundation; special assistant for state Sen. Roger Manno

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Maryland state delegate, District 19, since January 2015.

• Campaign information:

*did not respond to additional questions

Vaughn Stewart

• Where you live: Derwood

• Date of birth: Nov. 15, 1988

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer:  Attorney, WilmerHale

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): Intern, White House Domestic Policy Council. Policy director, Jamie Raskin for Congress

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I’m running for Delegate to put neighbors first. Too often, politicians side with corporate interests instead the people. They do what their donors want instead of what their neighbors want. I witnessed this problem firsthand last summer when I beat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While I underwent chemotherapy and met other cancer patients struggling to afford their treatments, D.C. Republicans were trying to take healthcare away from those of us with preexisting conditions.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

The most important issue in the race is the intersection between public infrastructure and the climate crisis. Both our schools and roads are overcrowded, and it’s increasingly difficult to buy a house and to afford rent. The General Assembly must invest more resources into the green construction of both schools and affordable housing. And increasing our investments in transit infrastructure is a win-win-win: We relieve gridlock, reduce harmful emissions, and create good-paying jobs. I support a third track of MARC, extending the Red Line of the Metro from Glenmont to Olney, and improving our bus service.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

The General Assembly has mishandled the issue of honesty and accountability in government. The result is a legislature that is often more responsive to the interests of insurance companies, prescription drug companies, corporate polluters, and utility companies than the needs of parents, students, teachers, seniors, and the environment. We need public financing of elections, an end to gerrymandering, a ban on corporate and lobbyist contributions, expanded early voting, an Election Day holiday, and live streaming of all General Assembly meetings. In the meantime, I’m practicing what I preach by rejecting contributions from corporations, their lobbyists, and their PACs.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

As a regulatory attorney, I read statutes and regulations for a living, and I represent refugees as part of my pro bono legal practice. I’ve served as the Policy Director for Jamie Raskin’s 2016 congressional campaign and as an intern for President Obama’s White House Domestic Policy Council. Both the teachers and the Sierra Club have endorsed me because they know I have the policy acumen to propose innovative solutions and the statutory experience to turn those ideas into laws.

Carl Ward

• Where you live: Derwood

• Date of birth: Feb. 12, 1984

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Current: trial attorney, Axelson, Williamowsky, Bender & Fishman, P.C. Former: Montgomery County Circuit Court, law clerk to the Honorable Karla N. Smith; math teacher, maximum security prison in Jessup, Maryland.

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): No previous political experience as a candidate

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

Actions speak louder than words. Over ten years ago, I began my service to Maryland as a math teacher at a maximum security prison in Jessup. I later became a public defender for juveniles in Prince George’s County and a law clerk to numerous judges in Rockville, and am now a practicing attorney in Montgomery County. I’m running for Delegate to continue serving the people of our community.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

Climate change. It affects us all, young and old, and we’re doing criminally little to remedy that. I would exponentially expand upon the carve-out provision of the 2013 offshore wind energy act. This will greatly increase the desire for sustainable and renewable energy companies to do business in Maryland, thus keeping hundreds of millions of rate payer dollars within the state. Over the past eight years, Marylanders have sent over 254 million dollars to out of state energy companies, as of March 2018.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

With the federal government failing on climate change it’s up to the states to step up. Maryland needs to do just that. The state-regulated utility companies need to diversify their energy portfolio to include more sustainable energy sources. The House of Delegates needs to increase the required switchover to renewable resources. The state is on target for 25% by 2020. That target needs climb higher and faster to fight the real problems climate change presents.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

Delegates are asked to take the concerns of our communities and mold them into laws that will make our state stronger as a whole. In my time as an Attorney Adviser for the DC Board of Medicine, I was asked to draft laws to protect unsuspecting citizens from dangerous medical practices. As a law clerk to Maryland District Court and Circuit Court judges, I was tasked with helping interpret laws written by Maryland legislators. This puts me in the unique position of having both drafted laws and helped to interpret laws benefiting citizens.

Jade Wiles Jr.

• Where you live: Silver Spring

• Date of birth: Feb. 20, 1989

• Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two other jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: Healthcare project management coordinator, HealthCare Dynamics International

• Political experience (public offices held and when, as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years): First time running for office

• Campaign information:

1 – Why are you running for this office? (75 words max)

I am running for office because enough is enough, too many times we see elected officials get into office and do the opposite of what they said they would do. As a servant leader, I have spoken with citizens and understand the day to day challenges that citizens face. As a concerned citizen and Delegate, I will speak up for the voiceless, be fair, and represent all citizens of District 19 because it’s time that we put people above politics.

2 – What is the most important issue in this race and what specific plans do you have to address it? (100 words max)

I have spoken with voters and I have heard their concerns, whether it be transportation, cost of medications, education, gun violence, affordable housing, jobs, or healthcare. All of these issues are important! However, as Delegate, the first issues that I will address are education and healthcare. Healthcare because wealth is your health and without being healthy one cannot attain an education or sustain a job. Education is the key to success and will provide our citizens with an better opportunity for tomorrow.

3 – What is one major issue the current House has handled poorly and what would you have done differently? (100 words max)

One major issue that I would handle differently from some of the current House of Delegates in District 19 is legislation surrounding marijuana. I would support legislation that was presented by Delegate Moon: HB1264. Take arrests for marijuana possession for example. Even though there is minimal difference in the amount of marijuana used by blacks and whites, blacks are four times more likely than whites to be arrested for smoking marijuana.

4 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office? (100 words max)

I’ve been a servant leader my whole life. I have worked for those forgotten about in society at times. I have worked as a community organizer for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. I’ve cared and provided services for our senior population. I stand on the right side of education and have helped our at risk students. I have served in leadership roles and have the wherewithal to make fair decisions that helps all of us and not just some. I cannot be bought, for my special interest is us, the people. It’s time that we put people above politics!

Digital Partners

Bethesda Magazine and Bethesda Today: Informing, connecting & inspiring our community through trusted journalism

Company Info

About Us
Contact Us
Become a Member
Subscribe to the Magazine
Advertise

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Sign Up Now

Follow Us

Copyright © 2025 Today Media. All Rights Reserved.

Today Media

Enter our essay contest